The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has launched its 2024/25 European wasp surveillance program, deploying 500 traps in the Albany and Napier areas following the big number of detections in the region last year.
Residents in Bunbury are also being asked to be vigilant and look out for the pest with the first ever nest detected in the region during the 2023/24 European wasp season.
DPIRD is deploying more than 3,000 surveillance traps throughout the Perth metropolitan area and at high risk regional areas and encourages the community to be alert for the pest as the weather warms.
Considered one of the world’s worst social insect pests, the European wasp is a declared pest in WA due to its potential to impact our health and outdoor lifestyle, agricultural and horticultural industries and the environment.
European wasp program coordinator Kris Armstrong said last year’s program resulted in 94 nests being found and destroyed with the help of residents, local government and community groups, preventing the potential breeding of hundreds of thousands of wasps.
“We began regional trapping a few years ago, however given the large number of nests detected in the Great Southern last season, we have greatly increased the number of traps in those areas this year,” Mr Armstrong said.
“Help from the public in keeping watch for these pests is vital and we are asking existing adopt-a-trap participants to deploy their traps now.”
European wasps look similar to yellow paper wasps but are distinguished by completely black antennae and shorter legs, which they tuck up under their body when they fly.
Mr Armstrong said telltale signs of wasps included scavenging on pet food, meat, fish or dead animals.
Traditional hotspots for wasps include the main freight areas into WA and industrial areas where freight is transported to, including Bibra Lake, Canning Vale, Kewdale, Malaga, Perth Airport, Wangara, and Welshpool and areas in the Perth hills.
To participate in the adopt-a-trap program and find out more information visit the department's website.
Reports of suspect European wasp sightings can be made via the department’s MyPestGuide Reporter app®, the department website, or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 9368 3080.
